Europe Visa & Entry Requirements (US Citizens - Schengen Region) Beginning in 2026
Details
Most European countries (including Greece, Italy, and Spain) are part of the Schengen Area, a travel zone that allows movement between member countries without border checks. U.S. citizens can enter the Schengen Area visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
What is the Schengen Area?
It’s a group of 29 European countries (as of 2025) that have abolished internal borders for travel. Once you enter one Schengen country, you can move freely between others without additional immigration checks.
ETIAS - Required (as of mid-2025)
- U.S. passport holders will need to apply for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) travel authorization to enter Greece, Spain, Italy, and other Schengen countries beginning in 2025.
- ETIAS is not a visa but a mandatory electronic pre-authorization and required pre-screening.
- It's valid for 3 years once approved and allows multiple entries into Schengen countries.
- To apply you will need: Valid US passport, email address, credit/debit card to pay the €7 fee per adult (ages 18-70)
- Apply online before travel at the official site: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias.
- Approval is typically quick, but don't wait until the last minute, it's recommended to apply at least 2-4 weeks before travel in the event there are delays or manual review is needed.
Passport Requirements & Entry Reminders
- Your U.S. passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date.
- Ensure your passport has at least 2 blank pages (4 is strongly recommended) for entry/exit stamps.
- If your trip includes multiple countries, your Schengen stay total must not exceed 90 days.
- As U.S. citizens staying less than 90 days total within the Schengen Zone, no tourist visa is required.
- Cruise port days count toward the 90-day limit, even if you’re not staying overnight.
- If you have more than one citizenship and passport, be sure to use the same passport for ETIAS and border entry.